Introduction:
Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a species of flowering plant from the family Cleomaceae. It is a hardy plant that thrives in various conditions and is known for its unique and attractive appearance.
Origin:
Cleome carnosa is native to central and southern Africa, particularly in Angola, Congo, and Zambia. It has also been introduced in other parts of the world, including Hawaii and Australia, where it has become naturalized.
Common Names:
Cleome carnosa is known by several common names such as Desert Spiderflower, Pink Spider Flower, and Rose Spiderplant. In Zambia, it is commonly called Mwembeshi.
Uses:
Cleome carnosa is primarily used as an ornamental plant in landscaping and gardening. It is known for its showy, fragrant flowers that bloom in shades of pink, rose, lavender, or white. The plant is also used in traditional medicine in some parts of Africa. The leaves are said to have medicinal properties and are used to treat various ailments such as fever, cough, and stomach ache.
General Appearance:
Cleome carnosa is a bushy, spreading plant that can grow up to 1 meter in height. The stems are green or reddish, and the leaves are compound, with 3-5 leaflets. The flowers are borne in clusters on long, slender stems and have a distinctive spider-like appearance, with long stamens that protrude from the petals. The fruit is a capsule that splits open when ripe, releasing small black seeds.
Overall, Cleome carnosa is a versatile plant that is both aesthetically pleasing and useful. Whether grown for its ornamental value or medicinal properties, this plant is a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.Growth Conditions for Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome carnosa is a flowering perennial plant that belongs to the family Cleomaceae. It typically grows in rocky terrain and has adapted to survive in harsh environments. Here are some of the necessary growth conditions for Cleome carnosa:
Light Requirements
Cleome carnosa is a sun-loving plant that requires at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. However, it can also thrive in partial shade, especially in regions with strong sunlight. Providing sufficient light helps promote healthy growth and encourages blooming.
Temperature Requirements
Cleome carnosa grows well in warm climates with a temperature range of 20-30°C (68-86°F). In cold regions, the plant may experience stunted growth and poor development. Therefore, it is essential to provide it with a warm environment for optimal growth. During winter, it is essential to protect the plant from freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Cleome carnosa prefers well-draining soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate different soil types, including sandy and rocky soils. However, the soil should be nutrient-rich and amended with organic matter such as compost or manure. Adequate soil moisture is also necessary for healthy growth.
Water Requirements
Cleome carnosa requires moderate watering throughout the growing season. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wither and die. Watering should be done early in the morning to allow the plant enough time to dry up before nightfall. It is also essential to water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can promote fungal infections.
Fertilizer Requirements
Cleome carnosa requires regular feeding with balanced fertilizer during its growing season. Fertilization helps promote healthy growth and encourages the production of healthy flowers. Apply fertilizer every four weeks, making sure not to over-fertilize the plant, as it can lead to salt accumulation and cause leaf burn.
By providing the right growth conditions, Cleome carnosa can grow and thrive, producing stunning flowers every growing season.
Cultivation
Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a delicate plant that requires a specific set of conditions to thrive. It is a warm-season plant and should be cultivated in areas with a long growing season. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
The plant requires full sun exposure and a warm environment to grow. It is recommended to start the seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date and transplant them outside after the danger of frost has passed. Plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep, and ensure proper spacing between the plants to avoid overcrowding.
Watering Needs
Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. requires moderate watering. The plant must be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater as this can lead to root rot. During dry periods, it is recommended to water the Cleome carnosa plants deeply once a week.
On the other hand, if the plant is grown in the ground with good soil conditions, in most cases watering is not necessary unless there is a prolonged period of drought or dry spells.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for a healthy Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. plant. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The fertilizer should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season.
It is advisable to apply the fertilizer at the base of the plant and mix it with the soil, ensuring that the fertilizer does not touch the leaves. Alternatively, organic matter can be added to the soil to enrich it with the necessary nutrients.
Pruning
Pruning a Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is not mandatory. However, it is recommended to remove dead flowers regularly to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
In addition, if the plant becomes too tall or leggy, pruning can be done to control its height and give it a bushy appearance. It is advisable to prune the plant in the early growth stages to promote branching and better growth habits.
Propagation of Cleome Carnosa
Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben. is a hardy perennial plant that is native to East Africa. This plant can be propagated via different methods, such as:
Propagation through Seeds
One of the easiest ways to propagate Cleome carnosa is through seeds. The seeds can be obtained by collecting the seed pods once they have dried. These seeds can be directly sown into the soil or started indoors and then transplanted when the plant is large enough. When sowing the seeds directly, make sure to cover them with a thin layer of soil, keeping it slightly moist until germination.
Propagation through Cuttings
Cutting propagation is another way to propagate Cleome carnosa. The cuttings can be taken from the parent plant during the growing season, making sure to choose a healthy and disease-free stem. The cuttings can then be dipped in rooting hormone and placed in sterile potting mix. Keep the soil slightly moist and place the pot in an area with indirect sunlight. Once the cuttings develop roots, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Propagation through Division
Propagation through division is another method that can be used to propagate Cleome carnosa. This method is best done during the early spring when the plant is actively growing. Dig up the parent plant and use a sharp, clean knife to divide the roots into smaller sections. Each section should have some roots and shoots. Replant each section at the same depth as the parent plant, ensuring the soil around it is kept moist until it establishes itself.
Disease and Pest Management for Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben.
Cleome carnosa (Pax) Gilg & Gilg-Ben., commonly known as the bush spider flower, is a low maintenance plant that is not usually affected by pests and diseases. However, in certain conditions, pests and diseases can attack this plant.
Common Diseases:
1. Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on leaves, stems, and flowers. It can hinder with photosynthesis and stunt the growth of the plant. To manage powdery mildew in Cleome carnosa, you can spray the plant with a fungicide containing sulfur. Also, ensure to keep the plant in a well-ventilated area that receives plenty of sunlight.
2. Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that begins as yellow spots on the leaves, which gradually progresses to brown or black circular spots surrounded by yellow halos. To control leaf spot, remove all infected plant parts and dispose of them immediately. Spray the plant with a fungicide containing copper to prevent the disease from spreading.
Common Pests:
1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of leaves. To manage aphid infestations, you can spray the plant with soapy water or use insecticidal soap. Alternatively, you can introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings or parasitic wasps.
2. Spider Mites: These pests are tiny, nearly microscopic, and thrive in hot and dry conditions. They cause yellowing of leaves and eventually cause the plant to wilt. To control spider mites, you can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, ensure to keep the plant well-hydrated and increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly.
Proper sanitation methods, regular pruning, and keeping the plant stress-free are essential for disease and pest management in Cleome carnosa. If the pest or disease problem is severe, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional horticulturist or agriculturist.
